Christmas tree shortage to be felt slightly in Michigan

Despite a national shortage of Christmas trees, as the third largest producer in the country, Michigan still has plenty of inventory and effects should be minimal.

Christmas tree facts

There are about 25 million-30 million Christmas trees sold every year in the U.S.

Nearly 350 million trees are growing in the U.S.

Michigan is the third largest Christmas tree producer in the country.

Michigan supplies about 1.7 million trees each year at an annual value of $27 million, plus $1.3 million in sales of wreaths and other cut greens.

Michigan has about 27,000 acres in commercial Christmas tree production.

Source: Michigan Christmas Tree Association

Tree shortage caused by lack of demand during recession

Prices in Michigan expected to rise slightly

Southern states to feel more of an effect

It would not be Christmas without the tree, but thanks to the not-so-merry Great Recession 10 years ago, growers were left with a shortage of trees this season that could drive up prices of the holiday essential.

In 2008, there was a surplus of trees but a lot fewer people buying them due to the depressed economy, said Amy Start, 49, executive director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association. As a result, growers planted fewer trees.

As a tree's cycle from seedling to living room is about 10 years, fallout from fewer trees has not been felt until now. The good news is that as the third largest Christmas tree producer in the country, Michigan still has plenty of inventory and effects will be minimal, Start said.

"Our growers feel there will be ample trees for everybody looking for one," Start said.

Prices in the state might rise, but only by a couple dollars, Start said. Nitpicky tree shoppers might have more trouble finding particular types. Fraser firs, for example, are in limited supply. Start advises those shopping at retail lots to secure their trees early.

The shortage will have more of an impact on southern states that rely on Christmas tree shipments from Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Buyers in those states can expect higher prices and fewer choices, Start said.

Unfortunately, the shortage is likely to occur through 2025, according to a report from GWD Forestry, a Spain-based sustainable forestry company.